It’s getting easier to sit at your own kitchen table and learn more about how to better manage your finances.

With the objective of expanding the use of technology-based learning tools as one of seven new goals for UNH Cooperative Extension, program delivery will become more efficient and provide greater access to Extension programs for more New Hampshire residents.

Using Technology

Starting in January, Extension’s Family and Consumer Resources educators began using computer and Internet technology to offer financial management education through a six-week webinar called Making Money Work for You.

Program participants not only are from New Hampshire, but from the greater New England area as part of the More Than Wheels partnership with Extension.  The webinar is also available to the public-at-large.

The Making Money program is frequently presented as an “in person” class around the state, and some people continue to prefer that opportunity.  Accessing the program through a webinar program, however, allows many learners to attend who might not otherwise be able to, due to distance, transportation issues, or family responsibilities.

Logistics

The logistics sound simple but can present difficulties. Educators learned new teaching techniques and mastered technical challenges. For participants there are some basic hardware requirements, and not everyone has a personal computer that meets those requirements.

Faye Cragin, Extension’s Web and Media specialist, is helping with those challenges. Ultimately, educators present the educational material while using PowerPoint slides on a computer over the Internet; learners are able to access the program at the same time through their computer, using a web conferencing tool called GoToMeeting.

Using a headset with microphone helps participants to talk and listen without the cost of a long distance call or cellphone minutes. Class participants can sit at their kitchen tables in Nashua or New London, while the educator is teaching in Goffstown.

Participants see the materials the educator presents. While educators teach, Cragin assists as “the producer” behind the scenes to help learners and educators with any technical issues.

Completing Your Homework

Completion of homework assignments is required by noon the day of the next class, emailed to the instructor. To “attend” these classes, some participants get creative. One attends the webinar by using a computer at the local library in her New Hampshire town.

Family and Consumer Resources Educator Sharon Cowen is teaching the first Making Money Work for You webinar. Cowen worked with Program Leader Charlene Baxter and Cragin to anticipate how the class will work in this new format. Extension also sought the advice from experienced webinar leaders at More Than Wheels.

Cowen is excited about the opportunities presented by webinar technology. She admits, however, it hasn’t been altogether easy to make the transition. “I enjoy teaching and interacting with program participants. Sitting in my office facing a computer instead of a class is very different. We’ve had to plan different teaching techniques."

"But, this is a great tool for UNH Cooperative Extension to expand what we are able to do and reach more people who can benefit from our programs," she added. Cowen is confident that both she and the webinar participants will adapt quickly.

Extension educators Gail Kennedy and Marilyn Sullivan are working on another webinar for More Than Wheels that will start within the next few months. For more information on this and other educational opportunities, contact your county Extension office.

More information on the benefits of webinar delivery can be found at the links below:

Benefits of a webinar

Benefits of a webinar for attendees

Benefits of the webinar format

For more information about managing your finances:

Managing Money in Tough Times

Maximizing Your Personal Financial Resources